The foundations under clouds

 Dress: J. Crew; Scarf: From Italy, gift from Val;

 Sandals: Jeffrey Campbell, won from a giveaway from Elisharon. 

Thanks for all the feedback on the last couple posts. I'm really incredibly excited about these changes in my life, and how school is going to affect things in the next few years. I've been getting ready the last few days with the necessary things, like paperwork and running errands. I've also been slightly making over my wardrobe a little bit, too -- taking out dresses that no longer fit or need alterations, and filling in the gaps with more blouses, sweaters and scarves (essential for cold classrooms). 

I've also been revisiting this paisley dress often. Ever since I got it tailored, it's been in constant rotation. If I could, I'd want to take a large sheet of it and wallpaper my wall with the pattern, because its shade of green is really re-energizing and fun to look at. Here are a few ways I've styled it before:

- This was a submission to the Everybody, Everywear "Pattern Mixing" Challenge. For more looks, visit here.

New camera species discovered after bear attack tragedy

SPECIAL REPORT - A new camera species, Sony Cybershotticus, a member of the digital photography family, has been discovered, just a few weeks after the bear attack that killed its camera predecessor.

Sony Cybershot, as it is more commonly known, with its good picture quality and silver packaging, is just one in a long line of cameras used in the Sidewalk Chic project. It was inducted into the prestigious Purse of Many and Unnecessary Objects this weekend and was taken on a field experiment to the farm park, a place of old and photo-worthy things.

"A new coworker so soon? Don't pull my leg," said Vista Explorer, a tripod and new colleague of the Cybershot. "I don't know if I can deal with this much change so quickly. It isn't stable."

The pivotal breakthrough came when a family member realized that Cybershot was in good working order and lying around a Kitchen Counter, a hangout for motley crews of appliances. Charger, a part-time nuclear power generator and colleague of the Cybershot, came in the mail for the induction.

"I am so fired up to be a part of this photo project," said the Charger, while gulping a Surge soda. "As long as we don't pull the plug too early in this work, we can make some magic."

"Did you know that 'ships in one to two days' really means a week?" said JoAnn, Sidewalk Chic blogger and new owner of the Cybershot. "That charger took forever to get here. Whatever, I'm just glad that I could take photos at the farm park to make up for my unexpected and mysterious absence."

The find comes just two weeks after the death of the Canon Powershot in a bear attack, a loss that left the Sidewalk Chic community reeling.

"It was a beautiful funeral for a stand-up guy," said Vista the tripod of the Powershot's memorial. "I made a few jokes in my eulogy, though I was upset so they probably were a little limp when I told them. A lot of people waved lighters and we sang 'Vogue' by Madonna. I mostly leaned on things for the rest of the week."

Cybershot performed well in the field and has already produced 56 photos.
As for Cybershot's longevity, that remains to be seen.

"I hope it lasts more than five months, " said JoAnn, the photographer and blogger. "I think things should get back to normal around here. I promise not to drop to my camera -- I mean, let bears get near it again."

Earlier: [Camera dies in epic bear attack]

Outfit details:

Dress: Donna Ricco;

Skeleton key necklace: vintage, from Minx;

Belt: Banana Republic, gift from Marilou;

Jacket: Aeropostale, thrifted;

Sandals: Jeffrey Campbell, giveaway from Elisharon.

She danced in Technicolor

Dress: Talbots, thrifted; Sweater: Faded Glory;

Frog belt: Highland & Ponce, Calivintage giveaway;

Bracelet: Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI;

Sandals: Jeffrey Campbell, Elisharon giveaway.

At some point a couple weeks ago, the winds changed course and the weather has been so glorious, I think I may have to pack up my boots and tights for the rest of the season. It seems fitting to celebrate the early spring in bright, saturated colors, gingham and the new Jeffrey Campbell sandals I received from the lovely Sharon of Elisharon (thank you, miss!).

On another note, my shorter hair may be changing my style a little bit, or at least how I perceive my clothes. I've been going for more classic, streamlined feminine looks lately (less ruffles, but more lines and color). I feel a little like Leslie Caron (in "An American in Paris") and Audrey Hepburn (in "Roman Holiday")  in this outfit. I suppose all those late nights watching Turner Classic Movies is having an effect on me...

Have you ever changed up your style after changing your appearance (i.e., a new hairstyle, weight change, makeup routine)?